Resources for Federal Employees
No matter where you’re at in your federal career, explore our resources and topics exclusively for Feds so you can feel secure along all the stages of your journey.
WAEPA vs. FEGLI Guide
While many Feds own life insurance through FEGLI, they should explore other life insurance choices to ensure that their needs are met. This WAEPA vs. FEGLI guide assists Feds in directly comparing coverage options.
2025 FEHB Open Season Guide
The 2025 FEHB Open Season Guide is written for active Federal employees to help you navigate the variety of coverage options available this Open Season. This year will see significant changes in Federal benefits.
Short-Term Disability Insurance Guide
Why do I need it? How does it work? Where can I get it? WAEPA’s Short-Term Disability Insurance guide answers these questions and more to help Civilian Feds.
Federal Estate Planning Guide
Explore practical information to help you navigate estate planning at large, as well as the specific ins-and-outs of your Federal benefits and the impact on your estate.
Federal Retirement Guide
WAEPA’s highly detailed Federal Retirement Guide gives you the ins-and-outs of your Federal retirement.
Federal Life Insurance: A Beginner’s Guide
Decisions about life insurance can be tough. Our guide gives you the straightforward information you need to help make the right decisions for you and your family.
Saving for Retirement Guide
This guide is designed to share several strategies and actionable steps for saving for retirement, regardless of where you might be in your saving journey.
Hybrid Work and the Hidden Impact to Your Finances Guide
This guide is designed to help current and former Civilian Federal Employees navigate their new work-life normal. With many organizations adopting a hybrid work model for employees, there are several key budget line items for employees to consider.
Pay and Leave in Weather Emergencies Guide
WAEPA’s Pay and Leave in Weather Emergencies Guide provides a summary of the benefits available to assist Federal agencies and employees coping with severe weather conditions or other emergency situations and their aftermath.
Veterans' Preference in Hiring
WAEPA’s Veterans’ Preference in Hiring Guide details many ways Veterans of the Armed Forces are given preference in appointments to Federal positions, including an overview of Congressional law and information on entitlement to benefits.
Federal Insurances Overview
Date & Time Wednesday, May 21, 2025 | 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. ET Presented By Join Bob Braunstein, Federal Benefits Specialist, presenting on behalf of National Institute of Transition Planning,...
The Value of Your Federal Benefits
Date & Time Wednesday, February 19, 2025 | 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. ET Presented By Join Ray Kirk, Ph.D., Federal Benefits Specialist, presenting on behalf of National Institute of Transition...
What Mid-Career Employees Need to Know
Date & Time Wednesday, November 20, 2024 | 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. ET Presented By Join Vanessa Craddock, Federal Benefits Specialist, on behalf of National Institute of Transition Planning, Inc....
Preparing for Financial Emergencies
Date & Time Wednesday, August 21, 2024 | 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. ET Presented By Join Kaitlin Schaeffer Yardley, Certified Financial Planner®, on behalf of National Institute of Transition Planning,...
Estate Planning 101: Last Will and Testament
Date & Time Wednesday, May 15, 2024 | 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. ET Presented By Join Lindsey Sarowitz, Esquire, on behalf of National Institute of Transition Planning, Inc. (NITP), as...
Considering a Financial Planner?
Date & Time Wednesday, August 16, 2023 | 2:00 – 3:00 pm ET Presented By Joe Sullender, CFP®, on behalf of National Institute of Transition Planning, Inc. (NITP). NITP provides...
Estate Planning for Younger Families
Date & Time Wednesday, May 17, 2023 | 2:00 – 3:00 pm ET Presented By Lacey Yegen, Esquire, on behalf of National Institute of Transition Planning, Inc. (NITP). NITP provides...
5 Tips to Take Control of Your Financial Life
Taking control of your financial life may seem overwhelming at first, but by focusing on a few key areas, you can set yourself up for long-term financial health. Start small,...
2025 Federal Holiday Calendar
In 2025, Federal employees will enjoy 12 Federal holidays. Below, you’ll find the full list of these holidays and when they will be observed. What are Federal Holidays? In the...
7 Questions about Life Insurance Claims, Answered
Life insurance helps to provide peace of mind in knowing that your financial future is secure. However, the life insurance claims process may be confusing, adding further stress after a...
8 Things to Include In Your Estate Plan
Having an estate plan in place is a crucial step in safeguarding your family’s future. This helps ensure that your wishes are carried out and that your loved ones are...
Maximizing Your Tax Refund: 7 Wise Ways to Allocate Extra Money
Getting a tax refund or finding yourself with extra cash can be a welcome financial boost. Rather than splurging on frivolous purchases, consider making strategic decisions to help secure your...
How to Create a Budget in 8 Steps
Having and sticking to a budget is an important component in achieving your financial goals. However, creating a budget can be daunting, especially if you’ve never done so. Follow this...
Are You on Track for Retirement?
There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to retirement planning, but now is a great time to check your progress and make sure you’re on the right path. Talking with a...
6 Essential Questions Answered about Federal Retirement Planning
Planning for your federal retirement is essential, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. You’ll encounter a range of considerations, from estimating expenses to optimizing pension options. This helpful checklist...
15 Tips on Understanding Social Security
Social Security retirement benefits can play a crucial role in your retirement planning. However, the rules and regulations surrounding these benefits can be complex and confusing. To make an informed...
9 Steps You Can Take Now to Help with Inflation
The impact of inflation is being felt in almost every aspect of everyday life. Necessities are more expensive than ever and challenging to absorb for many people’s individual and family...
Retirement Planning
Saving For Retirement On An Entry-level Salary: Tips For Young Employees
Starting your career often means navigating financial challenges, especially when it comes to saving for retirement on an entry-level salary. However, beginning early can significantly impact your future financial security. ...
May 7, 2025
2 min
Financial Wellness
Stay the Course During Market Turbulence: 6 Retirement Investing Tips
Stock markets in the U.S. and worldwide have experienced unexpected and significant volatility in recent weeks. Watching declines in the value of your retirement investments, including those in a Thrift...
May 4, 2025
5 min
Financial Wellness
Boost Your Financial Wellness: 8 Proven Strategies That Work
Ever feel like your personal finances could use a little tune-up? Taking small, intentional steps today can lead to greater financial stability and peace of mind down the road. Here...
May 1, 2025
2 min
Bereavement
Coping with Grief on Mother’s Day and Father’s Day
Navigating the loss of a loved one is a continuous process. Grief can be unpredictable, making itself known at inopportune times, including holidays. This blog post will offer practical advice...
April 30, 2025
6 min
Financial Wellness
How Life Insurance for Women Can Play a Key Role in Financial Wellness
Women are increasingly taking control of their own financial wellness, even as factors such as the gender wage gap persist. Explore specific considerations for women around financial wellness, and how...
February 26, 2025
6 min
Retirement Planning
How Much Money Do I Need to Retire Comfortably?
Retirement could be one of the most important goals you’ll ever set for yourself. Like many people, you might struggle with one key question: How much money will I need...
January 29, 2025
4 min
Retirement Planning
Best Dates for FERS Employees to Retire in 2025
There’s so much to think about when it comes to retirement. One often-overlooked detail is choosing the right retirement date. As a Federal Employee Retirement System (FERS) employee, your retirement...
December 18, 2024
4 min
Pay & Benefits
How Are 2025 GS Pay Scales with Locality Calculated?
The end of the calendar year means possible General Schedule (GS) Pay Scales changes for the Federal workforce. Here’s an in-depth look at the essential details to help you navigate...
November 6, 2024
4 min
Federal Civilian Life
What the SECURE Act and SECURE 2.0 Act Mean for Your Retirement
The SECURE Act and SECURE 2.0 Act provide several benefits aimed at enhancing retirement savings and making it easier for Americans to build their retirement nest egg. Here’s a summary...
November 6, 2024
2 min
Pay & Benefits
2025 FEHB Open Season: Changes to Consider
Each year, the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) offers an annual Open Season period for Federal Employee Health Benefits (FEHB). During this time, you may evaluate your benefits and make...
October 30, 2024
6 min